Prince William dragged into battle as residents fume over plan to build 2,500 new homes – saying it’ll ruin ‘hidden gem’
FURIOUS residents in a historic market town fear Prince William’s plan to build nearly 2,500 new homes will “radically alter” the area.
Residents of Faversham, Kent are miffed at the The Duchy of Cornwall’s plans to build on 320 acres of agricultural land.
The town, which is about 10 miles from Canterbury, has a population of just 20,000.
The Duchy’s plan involves a plot of land to the south-east of Faversham which was acquired in 1999, when King Charles was the Prince of Wales and owned the estate.
Ray Backler, 71, said: “I think that it’s not well thought out – especially given that King Stephen is buried in the middle of Faversham!
“The size of population if these plans go ahead would radically alter what is one of the gems in the southeast of England.
“The biggest concern is medical provision. It’s really tight here, and the population has already increased considerably due to a number of other developments on the outskirts of town.”
King Stephen was buried in Faversham Abbey – which he founded – after his death in 1154.
The abbey was then dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538 and King Stephen’s remains were thrown into Faversham Creek, according to legend.
However, the exact location of his skeleton remains shrouded in mystery.
The Duchy has proposed building a 2,500-home ‘ideal town’ in Faversham, similar in style to Poundbury, Glos.
It will deliver “affordable homes designed and built to the same high-quality standards, indistinguishable from market homes”, according to a website for the development.
But local Helen Neaves, 60, said: “I’m generally quite stressed about the amount of building around Faversham.
“That is a concern as Faversham is a relatively small market town – it obviously will have big impact.
“I would imagine if it’s his [Charles’] he’s probably going to make sure it’s more ethically managed, but it’s still a bit of a worry.”
A masterplan was submitted last December, seeking consent for an initial 261 homes on the site, as well as a local centre with shops along with community and business spaces.
A Duchy of Cornwall spokesman told The Sun: “South East Faversham will, if planning permission is granted, follow in the footsteps of Poundbury, Nansledan and other sustainable Duchy developments and become one of the most environmentally friendly neighbourhoods in the United Kingdom.
“It will prioritise access to green spaces, sustainable transport and will focus on the community’s needs – including affordable housing and a new primary school as well as new traffic infrastructure and healthcare services.
“New green spaces including meadows, orchards, allotments and woodland means biodiversity is set to increase by 20% while a focus on sustainable travel and building a walkable neighbourhood is expected to generate 20% fewer car trips compared to similar-sized communities.”